Major Ian Thomas teaches that through Christ's atoning death and the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers receive new life that empowers them to live a Spirit-led, Christlike life, fulfilling God's law through love and faith.
This sermon emphasizes the transformative power of redemption through Christ's atoning death, highlighting the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers. It explores the concept of passing from death to life, being raised with Christ, and living out the very life of Christ through the Spirit's work. The Christian life is portrayed as a union with Christ, where believers offer their entire being to Christ for His use, enabling a shift from self-centeredness to God-centeredness.
Full Transcript
Sermon Outline
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I. Redemption and New Life
- Believers receive the Holy Spirit at redemption
- Passing from death to life through Christ's atonement
- The imparted life is the very life of Christ
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II. Union with Christ
- Life in Christ is both historical and present
- Christ lives in the believer through the Spirit
- Our humanity is presented to Christ for His behavior
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III. The Law of the Spirit
- The Spirit enacts the new law of life in Christ Jesus
- Faith-love relationship replaces egocentric behavior
- The Spirit directs conduct beyond the lower nature
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IV. Radical Change of Government
- Transformation from self-rule to Spirit-rule
- Living members of Christ's body on earth
- Fulfillment of God's commandments through Spirit-led life
Key Quotes
“The moment you are redeemed through the atoning death of Christ upon the cross, you receive the Holy Spirit within your human spirit.” — Major Ian Thomas
“The life that the Lord Jesus Christ lived for you nineteen hundred years ago condemns you, but the life that he now lives in you saves you.” — Major Ian Thomas
“A radical change of government.” — Major Ian Thomas
Application Points
- Offer your mind, emotions, and will to Christ daily to be directed by the Holy Spirit.
- Live consciously in the new life imparted by Christ rather than by your old nature.
- Embrace the Spirit's guidance to fulfill God's commandments through love and faith.
